Snapshot Sunday ~ Re Energizing ~

It's been a long couple of weeks here at our house. Kerry started a new job which requires A L O T of travel. We are talking every other week!! And it started literally a couple days after getting home from China with Rachel. I have been home with six kids by myself for weeks....in a new place with no support system. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone people.

He just got back from Paris on Saturday night and you better believe first thing Sunday afternoon Hannah and I headed out for some big girl time alone, without the Little's and no boys aloud.

First stop our favorite antique store.

On a Whim Boutique, which of course had a huge lawn sale today..

where I scored this cute little rocking chair for only $10.00~~

Next, we meandered off the beaten path and found ourselves in the mist of dream home. It's called Red Hill Farm.....

It's in the middle of no where yet still close to major things like the grocery store and schools...

Just look at the gorgeous front lawn...

and the red barn...

and the mountain view....

breathtaking...right?!?!

I thought so to, and it was for sale y'all!! and we were enjoying ourselves until Mr. Policeman rolled up behind us...apparently you can't stop in the middle of the road and start taking random pictures...even if the house is for sale.

So off we went to another favorite haunt.

The Tea Room and Antique store. Where I found a gift for a friend.




All in all a great day that I needed so very much. Considering he's leaving again next week for who knows where...

~Our Dinner Out ~

Gracie chose red R*bin for lunch...not a favorite of mine but it was her day, so we went.

We had to wait forever, even though there wasn't but two other's in the entire restaurant. I think when they see a large family coming, especially with only one parent they hide, or draw straws to see who the unlucky waitress will be....

We are neat though, for the most park, I even clean up when we are finished.

Anyway, Caleb wasn't happy with the choice either. He was sulking.

Hannah was trying to ignore the chaos and immerse herself in a new book.

Gracie J was thrilled to be there ad only asked for one thing....

a huge stack of onion rings!!

Which we had plenty of leftovers, cuz Kerry wasn't with us.

Oh, and another lovely thing we brought home with us....food poisoning. Yuck. Luckily it was just the big kids and not the Little's....

And you might have noticed, I haven't been blogging much lately. It isn't because there isn't stuff going on, believe me there is. It's not because Rachel is difficult. Nope, just life, I guess. (and me, having a hard time in VA finding connections...)

~Two Years ago Today ~

Our beautiful daughter Gracie J was placed in Kerry's arms...

She had been waiting a long time....missing birthdays at home...

She was in Shaanxi Province, the same as Hope.

She was a very withdrawn quiet child. Not showing an ounce of emotion...

but accepting everything that came her way...

Now, she is headstrong and smiles all the time, She loves her daddy with a passion. She has been through several surgeries and has come out strong.

We love you Gracie J!! Happy forever family day!!

Have you ever seen...

A more precious smile?!

Could she be your daughter?

Born 5/2002 post op meningcole




Born 1/11/99 she is missing her left hand.

Born August 2002 with corrected cleft lip and palate.

or maybe her...

Isn't she just the sweetest thing ever?!?!

Her special need is meningocle and her DOB is 4/4/09


These are just a few of the kiddos waiting for their forever families. Currently there are over 2100 kids waiting...

Tea Party Time

A little cuteness to tide you over...

Yes, I am back...we had some things going on, but we're good. Thanks for all the sweet words and prayers..Just to tide you over until I can post more here is our girl Rach in all her cuteness..

~ Taking a Break ~

I know I haven't been updating like I should....

I am thinking of either taking it private or maybe just a break....

Leave me your email if you would still like to follow along.....I will let y'all know what I'm going to do soon....

Our Girl Rach ~Sunday Snapshot~

Has come a long way since coming home 4 weeks ago...

She will talk to anyone, a mile a minute. Not that I can understand most as it is in mandarin. But, she is so cute you just nod and let her talk.



She is very independent and doesn't let her limb difference get in the way. She walks everywhere.

She will eat just about anything. And up until a week ago didn't really like ice cream...

However, I discovered, if you have them add fresh blackberries to it, she will eat it...with gusto!!

And she is forever smiling. Our girl Rach has got to be the happiest baby ever!!

And that is why we love her so much!! Just look at that sweet grin!


I have another post coming up with more on her special needs later this week...

Another waiting sweety!!

This gorgeous little girl turned 3 the end of february, her special need is brittle bone disease. She is in an excellent orphange where the nanny to child ratio is very good and they have access to medical care. At this time she is unable to walk.

The agency that has her file is offering a $3500 grant towards her adoption fees.


Addirional pictures and access to her public file are available upon request.

She is in the same SWI as Rachel was.

~ Lunch with Friends ~

Three of us mom's were able to get together for lunch today. There were 19 of us total....only four adults y'all.

It was fun, short but fun. I think us girls could have talked the afternoon away but I wasn't feeling well, Gracie was about to have a meltdown and Jake wasn't feeling to hot either. No worries, nothing contagious. I think I've talked before about me having UC and Jake may have Crohns. It's definitely a lifestyle change...

Anyway back to lunch. We met up with Shelley who just got home with Avery who was at the same SWI as my Grace. And Jen who has Catherine from the same SWI as Rachel.

And we got pictures!! The kids were so well behaved, no throwing plates, food etc. Well, maybe a few chopsticks, but nothing major.

Until next time ladies!!